MWL Holds 45th Session, Calls for Overcoming Differences

The Supreme Council of the Muslim World League has highly appreciated the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the Crown Prince, Asharq Al-Awsat
The Supreme Council of the Muslim World League has highly appreciated the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the Crown Prince, Asharq Al-Awsat
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MWL Holds 45th Session, Calls for Overcoming Differences

The Supreme Council of the Muslim World League has highly appreciated the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the Crown Prince, Asharq Al-Awsat
The Supreme Council of the Muslim World League has highly appreciated the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the Crown Prince, Asharq Al-Awsat

The Supreme Council of the Muslim World League has highly appreciated the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which call for the unity of the Islamic conscience and spreading cooperation and solidarity among Muslims.

The council also praised the Saudi government’s continuous projects in expanding the Two Holy Mosques, developing their architecture, serving the holy sites, and providing the best services for pilgrims and Umrah performers, out of its belief in the great responsibility and honor granted to Saudi Arabia and its leaders.

These remarks were made in a statement that the Supreme Council issued Sunday at the conclusion of its 45th session that was held virtually with the participation of several ministers and Muslim scholars.

The meeting was inaugurated with a speech by Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh, where he referred to the belief bond that combines all Muslims despite the difference in their colors, nationalities, languages, and the diversity of their cultures and countries.

He also referred to the high status of Saudi Arabia in the Islamic world for its being the place of the revelation and the launching point of the Islamic message and the host of the Two Holy Mosques, the daily destination of Muslims during their prayers, stressing that the Kingdom shoulders a big responsibility towards Islam and Muslims through caring for their affairs, interests, and concerns.

This is in addition to seeking solutions to their problems and helping them and supporting them in times of crises and suffering and defending them in regional and international events.

Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammad Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa delivered a speech, expressing the secretariat general’s pride in the big contribution of members of the Supreme Council in supporting the league’s blessed journey that focuses on displaying the truth of Islam for the entire world.

The focus is especially on combating the concepts of extremism and terrorism and enhancing awareness within the Islamic world.

He also praised the blessed and supportive efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the Crown Prince, in serving Islam, Muslims, and the entire humanity.

President of the UAE Ifta Council Sheikh Abdullah Bin Bayyah delivered a speech, expressing his appreciation for the big efforts of the Muslim World League, stressing that it exerts big efforts in very important issues through seeking to enhance fraternity bonds among Muslim peoples and within humanity by adopting high-level qualitative initiatives to bridge gaps among mankind.

Grand Mufti of Egypt Shawki Allam also delivered a speech, expressing gratitude and appreciation for Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the Crown Prince, for what it offers of blessed efforts for the benefit of the Arab and Muslim nations.



Saudi Arabia Strengthens Water Security in 14 Yemeni Governorates with 62 Projects

The projects and initiatives have helped provide sustainable sources of safe freshwater. (SPA)
The projects and initiatives have helped provide sustainable sources of safe freshwater. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Strengthens Water Security in 14 Yemeni Governorates with 62 Projects

The projects and initiatives have helped provide sustainable sources of safe freshwater. (SPA)
The projects and initiatives have helped provide sustainable sources of safe freshwater. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia has provided 62 water projects and development initiatives across 14 Yemeni governorates to improve distribution, expand access to safe drinking water and strengthen water security in urban and rural areas.

Implemented through the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), the initiatives have helped secure sustainable freshwater supplies, improve the efficiency of water systems, reduce losses and strengthen local communities’ ability to manage their resources.

The projects have met 100% of water needs in the Al-Ghaydah, Al-Mahra Governorate, 50% in Socotra Governorate and part of the demand in Aden Governorate, helping improve the continuity and reliability of water services.

The program combines infrastructure development with modern technology and environmental and operational sustainability. Its work includes building and upgrading water networks, connecting Yemeni communities to water sources and using renewable energy to power wells and pumps.

These measures have also improved production and distribution efficiency, reduced operating costs and extended water services to areas most in need.

Sustainable water resource management

The program has supported agriculture by introducing modern irrigation systems, including drip irrigation, to improve water-use efficiency, reduce waste and promote sustainable agricultural production and food security.

In Socotra, a project to establish an integrated water system for a sustainable freshwater supply illustrates this approach by diversifying water sources, upgrading supply networks and strengthening resource sustainability.

Efforts have also focused on empowering local communities and building technical and institutional capacity through training programs designed to develop the skills of workers and beneficiaries in water resource management, system operation and maintenance.

SDRPY has conducted awareness campaigns to encourage community participation and promote sustainable water consumption and management practices, helping maintain services and improve the long-term operational efficiency of the projects.

Strategic solutions

In January, SDRPY announced a project to establish Yemen’s first desalination plant of its kind in the Aden Governorate, using modern desalination technology to expand freshwater supplies and reduce the depletion of water resources.

The project is intended to strengthen water security and improve living conditions.

It also includes transferring Saudi expertise and training Yemeni personnel in saline water desalination to boost technical and operational capabilities and ensure the sustainability of services in the governorate.

Saudi Arabia’s support for Yemen’s water sector forms part of a broader development effort implemented through SDRPY in coordination with the Yemeni government and local authorities.

The program has undertaken 300 development projects and initiatives across 16 Yemeni governorates, covering eight sectors: education, health, energy, water, transport, agriculture and fisheries, development programs, and capacity building and support for the Yemeni government.

Together, these efforts aim to strengthen coordination among development initiatives and deliver lasting improvements in essential services and living conditions for Yemenis.


Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Security with Russian, Canadian Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Security with Russian, Canadian Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov (SPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov (SPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday.

The talks focused on bilateral relations and key regional developments, including the escalating security situation in Yemen and ongoing threats to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The ministers also discussed efforts to strengthen regional security and stability.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand

Prince Faisal also held talks with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on bilateral relations and the latest regional developments. The two ministers condemned continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and underscored the importance of joint efforts to strengthen regional security and stability.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and EU European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas

The Saudi minister also met European Union foreign policy chief and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas. The two sides underscored the importance of promoting security and stability in the region.


Bin Farhan, Rubio Sign Agreement Formalizing US Participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
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Bin Farhan, Rubio Sign Agreement Formalizing US Participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed an agreement on Friday formalizing Washington’s participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh as an official participant.

The agreement establishes a framework for both countries to move forward with preparations for the event, underscoring the expo’s commitment to promoting international cooperation and strengthening partnerships with participating nations.

The Saudi foreign minister also held talks with his US counterpart on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.

The discussions covered the strategic partnership between the two countries, ways to expand cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, and regional developments. The ministers also exchanged views on efforts to address the challenges facing the region.